CHRISTIAN EDUCATION At Messiah, we believe that the Word of God is the final authority over everything we are and do. Messiah is host to a number of opportunities for in-depth study of the Scriptures that form the foundation of our faith and activities. Regardless of your age, background, or level of Biblical knowledge, there is a place for you to begin or continue your journey of learning all about God's Word. If you would like more information about any of these educational opportunities, please contact the church office . GET INVOLVED Children Today's world of confusing choices and changing values makes it absolutely necessary to give our children a strong foundation in the true Word of God. Messiah's Sunday School program focuses on Scriptural truths and the development of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Kids pre-K through Grade 5 gather every Sunday during the sermon to learn about God through fun lessons and activities. Connections Class Those who have recently started attending Messiah, would like to officially join the parish, or would just like to learn more about Messiah and the Christian faith, are encouraged to take the Connections Class. This five-session class (one class per week for five weeks) covers topics such as How to Use Your Gifts and Find Your Ministry, and How to Hear From God. This is a great opportunity to meet other people and grow in your faith. The class is offered twice a year. Home Groups In addition to being a wonderful fellowship opportunity, home groups often include Bible studies in their activities. To learn more about home groups, click here. Sermon Series & Studies Periodically our Sunday sermons will follow a theme for a number of weeks, focusing on a particular season, book or topic. A study will often accompany a sermon series, allowing for more in-depth exploration of the subject. Check out some of our past series and studies here . Study Resources There are many online resources to continue your education. Here are just a few: Christian Broadcasting Network Community Bible Study BibleGateway Bible Study Tools Our Daily Bread Ministries These and other study tools can also be found on our Resources page. MISSIONS FELLOWSHIP SERVING THE COMMUNITY CHURCH MINISTRIES

Sermon Series Church of the Messiah often focuses on a particular topic or season with a special sermon series. Explore the topics below and discover what messages the Lord has in store for you! Show More

SERVING THE COMMUNITY Our Lord has called us to serve those around us as Christ has served us. Messiah is involved in a number of seasonal and year-round ministries to our local community. If you would like more information about any of these ministries, please contact the church office . Chesapeake Area Shelter Team (C.A.S.T) For a number of years, Church of the Messiah has provided a week of shelter and meals for the homeless during the winter sheltering season from November through March. CAST week is an all-church effort, as host churches provide and serve meals, play cards and board games with guests, entertain children, stay overnight to ensure a restful night for our guests, and perform daily cleanup. No special skills or experience are necessary to get involved with this compassionate ministry. Inreach/Outreach Committee The Outreach/Inreach Committee serves to minister to those in financial need in our local and extended community. Messiah supports a number of Christian-based organizations, and also seeks to minister to those within the congregation who are experiencing temporary financial difficulties. Operation Christmas Child Operation Christmas Child, sponsored by Samaritan's Purse Ministries, brings joy and hope to children in desperate situation worldwide through gift-filled shoe boxes and the Good News of God's love. Church of the Messiah collects items such as small toys, school supplies and hygiene items each fall, then, with the help of our children, packs the boxes to be shipped all over the world. Joyful Noise Club Our club for young people with disabilities currently meets online via Zoom every Tuesday evening at 7:00 p.m. Club members hear a special message or teaching and then enjoy a time of discussion and sharing. A game or activity is often included, where participants are asked to bring a special item or topic to share with everyone online. Everyone is welcome to join the fun! For more information, contact the church office. Sanctuary of Hope Church of the Messiah has a close relationship with Sanctuary of Hope, a pentecostal church community in Portsmouth. Messiah is involved in several of Sanctuary of Hope's outreach efforts to the poor in their local community. MISSIONS FELLOWSHIP CHRISTIAN EDUCATION CHURCH MINISTRIES GET INVOLVED

CHURCH MINISTRIES If you are looking for ways to get involved with Messiah, our many church-based ministries are a great place to form relationships while serving the Body of Christ. If you would like to join or would like more information about any of these ministries, please contact the church office . SERVING THE COMMUNITY CHRISTIAN EDUCATION FELLOWSHIP MISSIONS Acolyte Ministry Acolytes are young men and women who assist the Celebrant in Holy Communion and other liturgical rites. We are always looking for young people to serve in this vital ministry. The usual age range for Acolytes is grades 6 through 12, but younger candidates may be considered. Altar Guild Altar Guild members prepare the altar for Sunday and othe services, and set up the Eucharist. This ministry provides a wonderful opportunity to serve "behind the scenes" with a minimal time commitment! Altar Prayer Ministry The Altar Prayer Ministry prays for the specific needs of individuals at the altar rail during Sunday morning Communion time. This ministry's dedicated membes find it a blessing and a privilege to serve in the way, and a joy to hear of answers to prayer. Two-person prayer teams serve approximately one Sunday per month. Altar Flower Guild The talented members of the Altar Flower Guild create the beautiful floral arrangements that appear behind the altar on Sundays and major church holidays. These arrangements may be sponsored by individuals and dedicated in honor or memory of a loved one. The Altar Flower Guild also helps decorate the sanctuary at Christmas and Easter with the poinsettias and lilies purchased by members of the congregation. Children's Ministries The Children's Ministry cares for and instructs our littlest members in our nursery, Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and many other ways. Eucharist Ministers Eucharistic Ministers are licensed communicants who assist the priests by administering the Sacraments. Greeters & Ushers Our Greeters are an essential part of Messiah's outreach to visitors and members, welcoming all with the love of Jesus. Ushering is a way to serve the Body of Christ by assisting worshipers during services by handing out bulletins, helping people find seats, assisting those with special needs, taking attendance, collecting the offering and assisting with queuing for Communion. Media & Sound Ministry The Media & Sound Ministry serves the audio and visual needs of the various services, meetings and special events held at Church of the Messiah. Prayer Chain This group of dedicated "prayer warriors" is always at the ready for any prayer requests that come in. Prayer requests are communicated by email and/or telephone. Reader Ministry Lay readers present the first and second Scripture readings at Sunday worship and other services. Readers generally serve once or twice a month. Worship Team Messiah's Worship Team leads the congregation in praise and worship through music, encouraging all to come together to glorify God and sing of His goodness. Youth Ministry The mission of the Youth Ministry is to help our young people develop their own relationships with Jesus. Youth in grades 6-12 are encouraged to attend Foundations Class during the Sunday service. Youth Group, for 8th to 12th graders, meets on Sundays following the service. GET INVOLVED

Ken Shomo Discipleship Pastor I grew up in the church and benefited from my mother's prayers and vibrant faith. At age 18 that faith came fully alive through the work of God's grace and Holy Spirit. I was soon called into vocational ministry and have now served in various ministries for over 30 years. I simply enjoy people and have been privileged to serve all age groups. Along the way I also earned a Master of Divinity (M.Div) degree from Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis, and I'm now working on a Doctor of Ministry (D.Min). I serve as a counselor at HopeWell Ministries. I’ve been married 20 years to Cheryl and we have two children, Cullen and Zoey.

GET INVOLVED! CHURCH MINISTRIES Church of the Messiah is so much more than Sunday mornings! We have many opportunities for you to plug in and feel part of our family. Whether you're looking for a way to make personal connections, learn more about our faith and Scripture, or make a difference in the community, there is a way to get involved. Click one of the links at right to get started! SERVING THE COMMUNITY CHRISTIAN EDUCATION FELLOWSHIP MISSIONS Check out our calendar to see what's going on at Messiah!

Who I Am in Christ I am a child of the living God and a joint-heir with Jesus Christ. I’m a new creation and part of a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation. I am more than a conqueror through Christ who loves me. No weapon formed against me shall prosper. My mind is being renewed by the Word of God. I pull down strongholds, I cast down imaginations, and I bring every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. If God is for me, who can be against me? Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world. Nothing can separate me from the love of Christ. I’m the righteousness of God in Him. I know the Truth, the truth has set me free. I am free indeed. For this purpose the Son of God came into the world, to destroy the works of the devil. Satan is defeated. I will not believe his lies. He will not intimidate me. I will submit to God, resist the devil and he will flee from me. No temptation will overtake me because God will not let me be tempted beyond my strength. He will always provide a way of escape that I may be able to endure. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I will stand firm clothed in the full armor of God. I will wear the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness and the shoes of peace. I will take up the shield of faith and the helmet of salvation. I will wield wisely the Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God. And I will pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers for all my fellow saints. Thanks be to God who gives me the victory through my Lord, Jesus Christ! I am secure because. . . I am free from condemnation. (Rom. 8:1-2) I am hidden with Christ in God. (Col. 3:3) I am a co-heir with Christ. (Rom. 8:17) I am at peace with God. (2 Cor. 5:18-19) I am chosen by God and loved. (Col. 3:12) I am righteous and holy in Christ. (Eph. 4:24) I am anointed by God. (2 Cor. 1:21-22) I am filled with the Holy Spirit. (2 Cor. 6:19) I am confident that God will complete His good work in me. (Phil. 1:6) I am accepted because. . . I am God’s child. (John 1:12) I am Christ’s friend. (John 15:15) I am born again in Christ. (1 John 5:18) I am part of Christ’s body. (1 Cor. 12:27) I am a saint. (Eph. 1:1) I am adopted as God’s child. (Eph. 1:5) I am complete in Christ. (Col. 2:10) I am a new creation. (2 Cor. 5:17) I am redeemed and forgiven. (Col. 1:14) I am a citizen of heaven. (Eph. 2:6) I am significant because. . . I am the salt of the earth. (Matt. 5:13) I am the light of the world. (Matt. 5:14) I am a branch of the true vine. (John 15:1,5) I am God’s workmanship. (Eph. 2:10) I am God’s co-worker. (2 Cor. 6:1) I am a witness for Christ. (Acts 1:8) I am one of God’s living stones. (1 Peter 2:5) I am an enemy of the devil. (1 Peter 5:8) I am victorious in Christ. (1 Cor. 15:57) PRINTABLE VERSION

Lent 2022 The Lent Experience, a video series and journal by Eric Ferris, aims to embrace the heart and purpose of Lent traditions, encouraging people to experience and be transformed by the main elements of Lent in their real lives. It is designed to help people, both familiar and unfamiliar with liturgical calendar practices, to observe Lent and rediscover the significance of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Sunday Sermon SEries Sunday Sermons March 6, 2022 FASTING: "Hungry for God" Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides Sunday Sermons March 13, 2022 SOLITUDE: "Lonely for God" Pastor Nile Gomez Watch | Listen Sunday Sermons March 20, 2022 repentance: A Gift of Love Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides Sunday Sermons March 27, 2022 ALMSGIVING: Rich Toward God Pastor Ken Shomo Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides Sunday Sermons April 3, 2022 FORGIVENESS: The Many Dimensions of Forgiveness REv. David Martin Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides Sunday Sermons April 10, 2022 PALM SUNDAY: Triumphant in Christ Pastor Nile Gomez Watch | Listen Sunday Sermons April 17, 2022 The Resurrection: Worth Pursuing Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides The Lenten Challenge Explore in-depth the elements of the Lenten season talked about in the Sunday sermons and challenge yourself to put them into practice. Each session will include a video and discussion. Additional content and opportunities for personal reflection can be found in The Lent Experience Journal (if you didn't get a paper copy, digital copies can be purchased by clicking here .) There are two ways to join this "Lenten Challenge": In-Person Class - Tuesdays @ 11:30 am Join Pastor Marty in the Fellowship Hall for teaching, discussion, and lunch! Zoom Class - Wednesdays @ 7 pm Pastor Nile will lead this online class and discussion group. From your Zoom App: Meeting ID: 850 2341 5629 Passcode: 863767 Or Click Here to join! Links for each week's videos can be found below. The Lent Experience: Trailer Video The Lent Experience: Ash Wednesday March 8 (In-Person) / March 9 (Online) Challenge #1: Fasting Video: The Lent Experience - Fasting Pastor Marty's Class Slides March 15 (In-Person) / March 16 (Online) Challenge #2: Silence & Solitude Video: The Lent Experience - Solitude March 22 (In-Person) / March 23 (Online) Challenge #3: Repentance Video: The Lent Experience - Repentance March 29 (In-Person) / March 30 (Online) Challenge #4: Almsgiving Video: The Lent Experience -Almsgiving April 5 (In-Person) / April 6 (Online) Challenge #5: Forgiveness Video: The Lent Experience - Forgiveness

2023 Lent Sermon Series & "Revival Bootcamp" God is moving! We see this at Asbury College and other campuses, and also inside our own church. Both Pastor Nile and I sense that God is pouring out His Spirit. So how do we enter into a move of God? Every revival is characterized by repentance . In the 2019 Book of Common Prayer, the invitation to Lent is to the observance of a holy Lent: by self-examination and repentance ; by prayer, fasting, and alms-giving; and by reading and meditating on God’s holy Word. These godly practices will help prepare us for a move of God. So, Lent is an ideal time to prepare and equip ourselves for an outpouring of God’s Spirit. In our Lenten program, we will lay out a biblical foundation for revival each Sunday, followed by how to experience it each Wednesday. For example, we will teach about healing one Sunday; then at that Wednesday’s “Boot Camp for Revival,” we will learn to pray for people to be healed and experience healing ourselves. Please make every effort to join us for this Lenten program, as we believe it will impact your life and the outreach of our church. — Pastor Marty Sunday Sermons Weekly @ 10 am Revival Bootcamp Wed nesdays @ 7 pm February 26, 2023 | First Sunday of Lent Self-Examination & Confession: Knowing Ourselves by Knowing God Fr. Dominick Hankle Watch | Listen ____________________________________ March 5, 2023 | Second Sunday of Lent God’s Kindness Leads To Our Repentance Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides ____________________________________ March 12, 2023 | Third Sunday of Lent With All Your Heart Pasto r Nile Gomez Watch | Listen ____________________________________ March 19, 2023 | Fourth Sunday of Lent Freedom from Depravity Tim Maurer Watch | Listen ____________________________________ March 26, 2023 | Fifth Sunday of Lent Revival & Fullness Vivian Hayes Watch | Listen | Se rmon Slides Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides March 1, 2023 Experience Self-Examination & Confession Watch | Handouts ____________________________________ March 8, 2023 Experience Repentance & Cleansing Watch | Handouts ____________________________________ March 15, 2023 Experience Healing Watch | Handouts ____________________________________ March 22, 2023 Experience Freedom Watch | Handouts ____________________________________ March 29, 2023 Experience Revival & Fullness Watch | Handouts

Preparing for Pentecost The Holy Spirit and You Deepen your love and appreciation for the Holy Spirit and His work in our lives as we prepare our hearts for Pentecost. Deepen your love and appreciation for the Holy Spirit and His work in our lives as we prepare our hearts for Pentecost. May 2023 Who Is the Holy Spirit? M ay 7 Pastor Nile Gomez Watch | Listen Why Do I Need the Holy Spirit? I Tell You Th e Truth: It Is For Your Good That I Am Going Away May 14 Pastor Marty O'Ro urke Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides Why Do We Need the Holy Spirit? May 21 Pastor Nile Go mez Watch | Listen How Do I Receive the Holy Spirit? The Holy Spirit in You May 28 Pastor Marty O'Ro urke Wat ch | Listen | Sermon Slides

"Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life." Proverbs 4:23 The Rev. Dr. Marty O'Rourke has served as a local church pastor for over 35 years in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Medina, Ohio; and Chesapeake, Virginia. He is passionate about equipping Christian leaders to finish well. While researching sexual misconduct in the church for his Doctor of Ministry dissertation, he discovered that prevention training of leaders reduces the likelihood of moral failure. Most prevention training has primarily a psychological approach, whereas the "Guard Your Heart" prevention training that Pastor Marty developed is grounded in the Scriptures and the social sciences. Many Christian leaders do not finish well. Paul, who finished well, writes to his spiritual son, Timothy: "Set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity" (1Timothy 4:12). The primary purpose of this training is to empower pastors and Christian leaders to finish their race well, by understanding the unique temptations leaders and their families face in a culture where temptation, especially sexual, abounds. Click the link above to watch the opening session of the Guard Your Heart training. Escaping Sexual Sin Before It's Too Late , By Rev. Marty O'Rourke. Click here to view article published on CBN.com Contact: Rev. Marty O'Rourke Church of the Messiah 816 Kempsville Road Chesapeake, VA 23320 (757) 436-2545 morourke@churchofthemessiah.org Marty has presented the Guard Your Heart training numerous times to the Convocation of Anglicans in North America (CANA); M.Div and D.Min. classes at Regent University; chaplains at Portsmouth Naval Hospital; the Falls Church staff in Falls Church, VA; Mid-Atlantic Christian University, and hundreds of pastors and church planters in Kenya, Tanzania and Zimbabwe. What others are saying about "Guard Your Heart" As an Executive Pastor I had my staff attend the Guard Your Heart workshop led by the Rev. Marty O'Rourke. I have been a pastor for over twenty years, and my wife and I have been in ministry in several different churches over the years. I have also had my staff take several different workshops on prevention of misconduct of various kinds. I found the Guard Your Heart workshop to be the most helpful in addressing issues straightforwardly, but from a positive Christian point of view. (The Rev. Dr.) Frederick Wright Senior Associate Rector, The Falls Church Falls Church, Va. 22046 We are greatly privileged to have such an experienced, encouraging, well-equipped presentation. You know whereof you speak, making it accessible for students to understand and practical to apply. I have no doubt that you prevented problems in our students' lives and ministries, and equipped them to serve others better. Mark A. Jumper, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Theological and Ministerial Studies School of Divinity, Regent University The Guard Your Heart training seminar is an asset to any ministry or organization, one of the most powerful tools available today is a preemptive strike against the problems of integrity and sexual misconduct before they happen. My opinion should be an essential part of all leadership preparation I strongly encourage you to consider this seminar for your ministry or organization. I would be delighted to comment further on this seminar resource contacted by phone or email. Sincerely, Dr. James T. Flynn Associate Professor of Practical Theology Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program School of Divinity, Regent University jamefly@regent.edu 757.352.4527 My husband and I have been married for 33 years. We have been in ordained ministry for 28 of those years. Entering parish life after seminary was something we were not prepared for. The demands of "The Church" and the demands of a family can become overwhelming. I wish we had heard this teaching before leaving Seminary. There are so many "mine fields" in the ministry. Rev. O'Rourke shared practical ways to prevent getting "blown away." His message was proactive, like the Priests having an accountability partner, and letting your wife know about all your appointments, especially when women are involved. There were many other great suggestions. Penny Rauh Church of the Epiphany-Anglican Herndon, VA To: Whom It May Concern From: Charles J. Cunningham Jr., Lt Gen, USAF (Retired) Joint Forces Staff College Subject: Improper Behavior, Temptation, and Avoiding Trouble This is my personal endorsement of, and professional judgment regarding a very important program designed by the Rev. Dr. Marty O'Rourke to prepare leaders to do the right things when associating with others, especially those under their leadership.

Every human being is “wonderfully made” by our Creator (Psalm 139). God cares deeply and specifically about each of our bodies, and our Savior Jesus became flesh and blood for our body’s redemption. And yet so many struggles relate to our body: appearance, aging, disability, gender, sexuality, race, and the deep need for human connection. Join us beginning September 18 as we explore how the Gospel speaks to these areas in profound, powerful, and often surprising ways. The aim of this series is to encourage each of us in the Bible’s hopeful message, and also to train us to love our neighbors wholly. Sermons will all be recorded and posted online each week. Sunday Sermons September 18, 2022 Wonderfully Made… Why? Pastor Ken Shomo Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides Sunday Sermons September 25, 2022 Glorify God in Your Body Pastor Marty O'Rourke Listen | Sermon Slides Sunday Sermons October 2, 2022 Technology and the Body Pastor Nile Gomez Watch | Listen Sunday Sermons October 9, 2022 Boast in the Lord Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides Sunday Sermons October 16, 2022 The Gospel and the Whole Person Fr. Dominick Hankle Watch | Listen Sunday Sermons October 23, 2022 Emotions in the Image of God Pastor Ken Shomo Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides Related links: From the John 10:10 Project Skeleton Keys 18 Trillion Feet of You